Free epi-pen vs Narcan debate is rearing its ugly head again. Here are some talking points (🧵). Anaphylaxis kills 1500 people in the US every year vs 80,000 due to overdose. 1/
Narcan isn’t free — it is being purchased through private fundraising activities and government grant programs, thanks to the tireless advocacy by PWUD and PH field. If you actually care about “free” epi-pens, advocate for socialized health care or start an NGO to buy them 2/
If you call an ambulance, the cost of being administered Narcan and Epi is the same in most states (we don’t itemize Meds here in Mass). Anaphylaxis is usually treated with 4 meds (Epi, Benadryl, corticosteroid, albuterol). Overdose is treated with one. 3/
The reality is that most people having this debate don’t care about the facts. They don’t want to do the work to improve access to free Epi-pens. And their beliefs are being driven by stigma. 4/
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh